Picture yourself stepping into the Grand Lagoon Ballroom at Sunway Resort Hotel this February, where the future of ASEAN education is about to unfold. You’re witnessing Malaysia’s pivotal moment as ASEAN Chair, orchestrating an unprecedented gathering of universities, policymakers, and visionaries. We stand at the threshold of educational transformation across Southeast Asia.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: EMGS to host ASEAN Universities Exhibition & Forum 2025
Catalyst
In support of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Malaysia, proudly presents the ASEAN Universities Exhibition & Forum 2025 (AEF2025). This strategic initiative emerges from Malaysia’s leadership role, positioning the nation as the driving force behind regional educational integration.
The catalyst for this ambitious undertaking stems from ASEAN’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational equity. Meanwhile, Malaysia leverages its chairmanship to create lasting partnerships that transcend borders. As we discovered, the timing couldn’t be more crucial for strengthening collaboration within the ASEAN educational ecosystem.
Rising Action
AEF2025 represents a two-day premier international event dedicated to showcasing the excellence of ASEAN universities, promoting innovation, and strengthening collaboration within the ASEAN countries and community. The exhibition will bring together universities, policymakers, industry experts, and students from ASEAN countries to build a stronger, more integrated educational ecosystem across the region.
Suddenly, the scope becomes clear: organizers aim to attract 10,000 visitors to this transformative gathering. The flagship exhibition and forum will showcase the achievements and innovations of 100 ASEAN universities, serving as a hub for networking, idea sharing, and collaboration.
Three key components drive the rising momentum:
ASEAN Universities Exhibition & Forum
Through engaging discussions and exhibitions, participants will explore key challenges and opportunities in the education sector, fostering regional innovation and stronger partnerships. AEF2025 will also mark a significant milestone with the signing of MOUs worth RM2 million among ASEAN universities, further strengthening cooperation across the region.
ASEAN Student Mobility Program
In conjunction with AEF2025, organizers will launch the ASEAN student mobility program. In partnership with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), this mobility program spans 13 days, filled with exciting opportunities from February 11-23, 2025.
- Young speaker contest: encouraging students to voice ideas on pressing global issues.
- Innovation project challenge: showcasing cutting-edge solutions to regional challenges aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- Familiarisation visits: offering on-site and virtual tours of Malaysian university campuses.
ASEAN GEMS Platform
The ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility & Scholarship (GEMS) platform emerges as a transformative initiative designed to centralise scholarship opportunities across the ASEAN region, promoting regional integration and fostering a shared ASEAN identity through educational equity.
Turning Point
It all comes down to this pivotal moment where Malaysia transforms from host to catalyst for regional change.
The ASEAN GEMS platform represents the breakthrough innovation that will reshape how students access educational opportunities. As a one-stop repository for scholarships, it empowers students to access opportunities beyond their home countries while supporting youth mobility and cross-border academic exchanges.
This digital platform aligns perfectly with ASEAN’s commitment to youth empowerment, educational equity, and regional integration. Consequently, participants gain unprecedented access to scholarship opportunities and collaborative networks spanning the entire region.
Resolution
The ASEAN Universities Exhibition & Forum 2025 culminates on February 24-25, 2025, at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Attendees will engage with ASEAN’s best universities, discover innovative programs and research, and collaborate on regional solutions addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Furthermore, participants can expand their networks by connecting with experts, institutions, and students from across ASEAN while accessing scholarship opportunities through the revolutionary ASEAN GEMS platform. As EMGS representatives explain, their agency serves as the principal body managing international student movement in Malaysia, including visa processing and support services.
EMGS is taking Malaysian higher education, higher! Supporting the aspiration by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, EMGS is committed to making Malaysia as the preferred education destination among international students around the world.
To enhance the experience for international students, EMGS provides the world’s first International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 and 2. This service ensures a warm, stress-free welcome to Malaysia through immigration assistance and the EMGS Hub mobile app.
The success of AEF2025 will be measured not just by attendance figures or signed MOUs, but by the lasting educational partnerships that emerge from Malaysia’s visionary leadership during its ASEAN chairmanship. As we move forward, this landmark event positions Southeast Asia as a unified force in global higher education, creating opportunities that will benefit students and institutions for generations to come. For more information about this transformative initiative, visit the Education Malaysia website to secure your place in this historic gathering.
